Moving from Fontana, CA to Gilbert, AZ
It is a 359 mi drive, roughly 6h 30m, between Fontana, CA and Gilbert, AZ. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
359 mi Β· 6h 30m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 202 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 2.9% under Fontana β $639,032 β $572,507 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.96 |
Gilbert households earn about 2.9% more than Fontana at the median β $98,187 β $121,351 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Gilbert more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 2.9% lower than Fontana (103.316 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 359 mi and the route typically takes 6h 30m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 359 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 10.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 23.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Gilbert, AZ.